Varnum Brook Elementary School in Pepperell has been recognized by Special Olympics North America for its ongoing efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive environment through sports.
Varnum Brook is one of only 19 Massachusetts schools to be honored as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School and will receive a National Banner. Varnum Brook was previously honored in 2020.
Schools receiving National Banner recognition have met 10 criteria for implementing inclusive sports, inclusive youth leadership opportunities, and whole school engagement. Banner schools must demonstrate that programs are self-sustainable and make a commitment to continue these efforts in the future.
At the heart of Varnum Brook’s efforts is Sidekicks, a friendship program started eight years ago. Students in Grades 1-4 participate in inclusive activities, building awareness, trust, and friendship without barriers. Students of all abilities are encouraged to take part in Student Council, a leadership program devised with the goal of making the school and community a better place.
Varnum Brook also hosts multiple engagement activities throughout the school year. These include Spirit Weeks, food drives for PACH Outreach, a celebration of World Down Syndrome Awareness Day, and a Mental Health Awareness Spirit Week. The school also holds a Start with Hello Week, which encourages students to look for students who are isolated and find ways to include them.
Peer coaching, buddy mentors, reading ambassadors, and lending library student supervisors support a warm and welcoming environment.
Unified physical education classes are held weekly, culminating in a Field Day where all students participate in activities they have practiced during the year. Each May, Varnum Brook students take part in the Unified Sports Day/Special Olympics, which is supported by North Middlesex staff and community leaders.
Classrooms discuss the Special Olympics and what it means to students and the school community. Students make posters and visit the field to cheer on their classmates. The entire school welcomes the athletes back after the day is completed and they sing and cheer for each other.
“Our youngest students may never have met someone with a physical or intellectual challenge. We believe that by building awareness, trust, and friendship at a young age between peers with and without disabilities, we will build a more accepting, tolerant, and exciting world,” Principal Ami Dolan said. “We are committed to the motto and vision that VBES is Better Together; it defines our work daily.”
“We are grateful for this recognition by Special Olympics North America. A generation of North Middlesex students has benefited greatly from our relationship with the Special Olympics,” Superintendent Brad Morgan said. “Our students learn from a young age that other students may have different abilities, and how even the smallest effort can make a profound difference in someone’s life.”
Superintendent Morgan and Principal Dolan wish to recognize Tammy Anderson, Jessica Boccelli, Allie Chartrand, Elise Levine, and Brittany Thomas for their dedication to supporting these efforts and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment at Varnum Brook.